Clergy Wives Weekend 2010 + October 29-31 at Antiochian Village

A pan-Orthodox gathering of spiritual refreshment and fellowship in memory of Kh. Joanne Abdalah

Kh. Joanne Abdalah served as an inspiration in her life as the wife of a priest and as a counselor to many. She understood the joys and trials of this life, and the need for finding strength in Christ and each other. She believed that every clergy wife needs to discover and develop her own Christian vocation. In her memory, her family and several clergy wife friends planned the first Clergy Wives Weekend in 2009 as a fitting tribute and way to carry on her work and commitment to clergy wives.

Last November more than 70 Orthodox clergy wives from jurisdictions across the United States enjoyed the inaugural Clergy Wives Weekend at the Antiochian Village. The schedule reflected Joanne’s holy and holistic approach to life – we need to pray; we need to play. We need to enjoy the fellowship for this short time without parish responsibilities, family responsibilities or other cares of this world. The Weekend was a tremendous success, and so we announce the 2010 Clergy Wives Weekend!

Date: October 29-31

Theme: Everywhere present and filling all things: The Holy Spirit or the Clergy Wife?

The Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Spirit of Truth, is everywhere filling all things. But do clergy wives with the best of intentions get caught trying to do that, too, juggling marriage, family, parish, education and job beyond realistic expectations? How do we listen to hear what the Spirit is leading us to do in life? How can we nurture our relationship with God? What do the gifts and fruit of the Spirit look like in our lives and situations? How do we discern? And what do we do with all our life includes?

Speakers: Mother Gabriella, Abbess of Holy Dormition Monastery, Rives Junction Michigan came to the United States in 1978 from the monastery in Varatec, Romania, to join the community forming at Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, PA. In 1988, along with Mother Benedicta and Mother Apolinaria, she moved to Rives Junction, MI to start the monastery of the Dormition. The community has hosted the Midwest Clergy Wives Retreats, which has enjoyed Mother Gabriella as a speaker on several occasions.

Kyriaki K. FitzGerald, PhD and Presbytera, is a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts and a certified Pastoral Counselor. Her practice has included extensive experience in the areas of trauma, addictions, and spirituality and mental health. Kyriaki also served as the Director of Orthodox Pastoral Counseling for Central Massachusetts (accountable to the Eastern Orthodox Council of Churches for Central Massachusetts, comprised of 16 parishes of mixed ethnic jurisdictions). In addition to her private practice, she is involved in theological work, and teaches as an adjunct Professor at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. As the wife of Fr. Thomas FitzGerald, Kyriaki also has many years experience in different circumstances as a Clergy Wife.